THE BIG POND TIMES

JUNE 2001                      VOLUME VIII No.6

 

FIREHALL FIRE

COMMUNITY NOTES

The Big Pond Firehall was totally destroyed by fire on Thursday, 17 May. Initially detected around 9:15 p.m., the blaze quickly engulfed the building in spite of the best efforts of the local firefighters, assisted by departments from East Bay, Northside East Bay and Howie Centre. The specific origin of the fire was not established, although an electrical source has not been ruled out as the cause.

            Quick action from local firefighters saved all the trucks but little else was salvaged. A number of sets of turn-out gear were lost, along with the fully-equipped kitchen, bar, etc. The department continues to be operational, with firefighting equipment strategically located around the community, and a temporary center is located on site in a trailer.

            The Big Pond Firehall, a cultural and social landmark for more than thirty years, was started in 1968. It quickly evolved into the community center and most of the legendary Cape Breton Celtic musicians of the past three decades played there.

            For a few days after the fire an air of sadness hung over the site. The community built the hall and it was an integral element of community life for two generations. Dances, wedding receptions, ceilidhs, parties, card games, darts, socials made the Big Pond Firehall a destination of choice for Cape Bretoners and visitors alike and its destruction was especially moving for those who poured so much of themselves into all those functions. Memories of the “old hall,” as it will probably be referred to, are many and rich. 

                A few days after the conflagration, on 21 May, a public meeting was attended by more than seventy people. A committee was struck to look into the best possible site. It reported back on Monday, 28 May, with a recommendation to relocate to the new site, the former school property. It was accepted overwhelmingly. The fire department concurred. A Steering Committee was formed, as was a public fund-raising sub-committee.

            Construction should commence once new building plans are finalized. Community concern and support was evident at the public meetings and initial approaches by Cape Breton musicians regarding a benefit to assist in the rebuilding indicate that we will rise again, and soon. Arrangements are being made to have the Bank of Montreal accept donations to the Big Pond Volunteer Fire Department Fund. Receipts for tax benefits will be issued once details are completed.

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The Regional Library Bookmobile is in Big Pond on Wednesday, 20 June at 11:15 and Irish Cove at 1:15.

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The first Loch Lomond Motocross race of the 2001 season is on for Sunday, 24 June at 11:00 a.m. The track is located three miles up the Loch Lomond Road from Trunk 4.

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THE OLD PARISH HALL RESTAURANT, located at 7212 Highway 4 in Big Pond, will open for business under Jared Wolf on Friday, 15 June. See back page for details.

 

COMMUNITY  COUNCIL MEETING

MAY 02, 2001

Financial Report by treasurer Gordie MacDonald showed a balance of $6220.00 in our checking account.  $2080.00 has been paid for the chairs for the restaurant.

Norma McDonald reported that the Swim Program will once again take place this summer from July 30^th to August 17^th.

It was reported our application for grant workers has been rejected but has been reapplied for and it is hoped that we will get a positive reply. 

New Business – Mel Currie brought forth the question of what to do with the old tables and chairs from the restaurant.  It was noted that over $4,500.00 had been paid for these tables and chairs when the restaurant opened.  There was a consensus that they certainly were grossly overpriced when purchased.  It was decided that rather than try and sell them at the present time we would hold on to them for one year and revisit the issue at that time.

Gerald Thomas agreed to look after putting locks on the washroom doors at the beach as well as automatic door closures.

It was moved by Cyril MacPherson and seconded by Marie MacPhee that $600.00 be given to Riverview Rural High School for scholarships.

It was noted that  Mel Currie would ask Ivan Doncaster about the sidewalks for our area.

The Concert Committee needs volunteers.  If you can help out in any way, please contact Melvin White.  The concert week is our major fundraiser for the year and needs as many people on board to help out, if it is to continue to be a success.

Sharise McKeigan noted that the lists for beach patrol during graduation will be available at the next meeting.

BIG POND FESTIVAL, 2001

The Big Pond Festival week runs 15-22 July. Pastoral Airs are on Sunday, 15 July at St. Mary’s Church, Big Pond. A reception will follow.

            Gordie Sampson and Kim Stockwood are featured in the celebrity concert on Friday, 20 July. The show, at MacIntyre’s field, starts at 8:00 p.m. ($15 advance, $18 at the gate).

            The 37^th Big Pond Scottish Concert features many regular favourites plus new up-and-coming talent. This concert is at MacIntyre’s field on Sunday, 22 July, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

            Other events include the Sail Past at the beach, a Senior’s Social, Tarabish, dances, and food specials at the new Old Parish Hall restaurant. Big Pond Festival souvenirs will also be on sale. Please visit MacLeod’s store and the restaurant to check out the clothing line. A full schedule for festival week will be carried in the July issue of the TIMES.

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NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

The high school graduation season will soon be upon us. The Neighbourhood Watch Committee and the Community Council will once again be requesting help from volunteers during this time. A sign-up sheet will be available during the June Community Council meeting. Please sign up.

            The schedule for Proms and Graduations is as follows:

22 June – Riverview Prom

-  Sydney Academy Prom

23 June – Glace Bay Prom

26 June – Riverview Graduation

27 June – Glace Bay Graduation

-  Breton Education Graduation

-  Sydney Academy Graduation

28 June – Breton Education Prom

 

An ecumenical church service will be held 24 June at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Big Pond for Riverview graduates and their families and friends. A reception will follow at the Glebe house.

LOCAL HISTORY

Diary Notes, 1977

23 July: Harmony Nine, local girls’ Gaelic choral group, entertained Girl guides at huge international gathering in Mira.

24 July: Community Council meeting decided this evening to change time of Saturday’s concert to 6:00 pm from 2:00 pm.

27 July: Got word from Sheldon that Aidan O’Hara, folksinger, will come to concert for August 10.

28 July: Met Helen Chisholm at store. She feels quite sure that she can get Cameron Chisholm and Sandy Boyd for concert.

29 July: Out to Lucien Dewapenaere’s wake this morning. (Lucien was Gwen Kennedy’s husband. He once drove the “milk truck” for my father.JMN).

31 July: Uncle Paul went back to Toronto today. Vivian will stay to sell house. Tony McFarlane died today.

31 August: Father MacGregor came to hospital to tell me that the School board reversed its decision re: cutbacks.

5 September: Parish Canteen closed this evening for season.

6 September: School opened for 77-78 term. Missing Margie Dearing this year. She went to River Ryan school. Theresa Axworthy will substitute until such time as permanent substitute is appointed.

7 September: 57 pupils registered this year, including three from Loch Lomond, the first Loch Lomonders to attend this school. My niece Lorna Jean’s first day in East Bay school (Lorna is now teaching in Japan. JMN).

8 September: Two more school children arrived. Two Coleman children. John Willy MacInnis and Simon Murray replaced swing ropes at school.

9 September: Party in fire hall for Margie and Alf MacLellan in celebration of their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.

11 September: Shower at Alex Eddy’s in evening for their daughter Pauline.

13 September: Mrs. Murphy, Johnny Murphy’s mother, died this afternoon about 1:30. Brother’s foundation poured today.

14 September: To Mrs. Murphy’s wake in afternoon. At Dan Joe’s in evening. Mike MacDougall and Carl Mackenzie were there with their fiddles.

15 September: School Board tonight appointed Brenda MacAdam Murphy to position in school.

19 September: Brenda Murphy started teaching in Big Pond School.

23 September: Greg MacIssac, Michael’s son, married in Sydney today. Talking with Francis Alex R. MacNeil in store today. He said his family moved from Benacadie to Big Pond when he was about thirteen. George MacInnis earned his first money playing the violin today at Greg MacIssac’s wedding.

25 September: Bonnie Murphy told me that her family came from Castle Bay on 10 June, 1942. Johnny Murphy told me he came from Barra Head to Big Pond in 1945. He and Bonnie married in 1949. They started building their home in 1950. They moved into their new home on 30 September 1952.

29 September: Uncle Neilly got codfish, gaspereaux and a salmon in his net today. He got a salmon yesterday also.

©Jack MacNeil

 

 

BIG POND TIMES is financially supported by the Big Pond Community Council.  Contact Don MacGillivray, 7271 East Bay Hwy, Big Pond, Cape Breton, B1J 1V2.  dmacgill@uccb.ns.ca “It is a newspaper’s duty to print the news and raise hell.”-Chicago Times, 1861.

Contact Josephine McCarron, 7584 East Bay Hwy., Big Pond, B1J 1Y6 for subscriptions. This issue was brought to you by Sharise McKeigan, Jack MacNeil, Don MacGillivray, Josephine McCarron, Anne MacPherson. .